YORKSHIRE’S answer to AC/DC has a series of gigs lined up across the region to please fans.

The humorously named Highway to Hull is performing its first at The Exchange in Keighley on February 2 and it promises to be a good night.

“The stage, sound system and lights at the Exchange are perfect for the venue,” says drummer Matthew Wildman. “Every time we play here it sells out.”

The band’s last gig at the Russell Street venue was a great success. “It is a really good atmosphere one of our most favoured gigs of the year,” he adds.

Close to its Baildon base in April the band - which plays “the best of AC/DC” - is performing on April 26 at The Copper Beech Club in Northgate, Baildon, and will be repeating its successful Big Stage Gig at Bingley’s Arts Centre in October.

“The Arts Centre gig was amazing, and they have asked us to go back this year,” says Matthew.

From their beginnings playing small bars and jamming sessions, Highway to Hull has gone on to become one of the region’s leading tribute bands and a headline act at many events.

Highlights of their appearances include the annual Harley Davidson rally on the edge of the moors at Baildon, The Fazer Owners Club rally in Blubberhouses and an all-day outdoor event at Ilkley for the first Tour de Yorkshire.

Their gigs for charity and good causes include a performance for Grace’s Wish in Baildon, at the Groovy Happenings event in Haworth, for Manorlands, and working with the disabled at Henshaw’s in Knaresborough.

Powerful drums, bass and rhythm guitar provide a solid base for the screaming lead guitar and vocals, playing the tunes of the golden era of the Australian hard rock band.

“This year, In July, we are also playing at Willsfest, one of the longest-running festivals in the country,” says Matthew.

Also known as ‘AC/DC The Yorkshire Way’, the band was formed in 2005, founded by former member and lead guitarist Andrew Farrell. In the early 1990s he formed local rock group Sensei, and brought the band members back together for his new idea.

Original members Matthew Wildman, Malcolm Moorhouse on rhythm guitar and vocalist and bassist Stuart Briggs were very keen to get back together and complete the line-up.

Over the years, there have been several changes. Malcolm now plays bass guitar. Other members are singer Charlie Cunz, Andrew Steel on lead guitar and Mick ‘The Metal’ Walsh on rhythm guitar.

The band also have special guests appearing with them from time to time and are hoping that teenager Sam Westman, playing bagpipes, will be a guest when then appear at the Exchange.

The band also play an annual gig at The Sun Inn in Norwood near Harrogate, where Matthew used to go with friends as a teenager. “AC/DC appeals to a lot of bikers, and when we play they travel from all over the north. The landlords allows people to camp. The first time we played there, more people were outside listening than inside.”

Playing on the AC/DC song Highway to Hell, the band’s name has a Yorkshire twist. “That is what we wanted,” says Matthew, who runs Beat It music shop in Baildon, where the band rehearse. “There is a pub in Hull called the Highway - we are hoping to be able to play there at some point.”

For tickets visit exchangearts.co.uk/events/highway-to-hull-2

For more information about Highway to Hull, you can visit highwaytohull.co.uk or Contact Matthew at Beat It Music on 01274 599774